News Flash

Note: information provided here does not indicate endorsement, and is merely the perspective the respective authors. Whether in peace or in difficulty, your prayers for the peace and prosperity of Ethiopia are most appropriate and encouraged.

Newest posts - May 18, 2021

Those of you who have lived in Ethiopia will have the greatest interest in these posts, but a quick read will be informative for all.

Older posts:

  • And now, for the “aftermath” and reconstruction: BBC - Ethiopia and UN 'reach Tigray aid deal.'

  • The military “final push” to capture the capital of the Tigray state is complete - it has been captured by the federal Ethiopian army (as of 11/28 - see image). Pray for the peace of Ethiopia (and the region)! Of note:

    • Ether this is the end of the issue and dissent will dissipate, or, as the Tigray leaders have vowed to fight and may be well armed and trained, it could become a highly protracted, guerilla-type struggle for years to come (think Viet Nam). See more HERE.

    • The federal government has resisted international calls and offers to mediate (saying it is an internal law enforcement issue, to stop insurrection). The implications for the broader region could be daunting and serious - see HERE.

  • Nov. 22-24 (approx.): Prime Minister Abiy has issued an ultimatum, giving people in Tigray 72 hours to surrender before a final push to fully subdue those operating independently of the federal government. There is also, at last report, over 30,000 people who have fled into Sudan, a humanitarian crisis in its own rite.

Background

There are ethnic tensions that are now boiling over, with the federal Ethiopian government taking military action against those in the offending people group. , Electricity, communication, and travel have been cut off for that region. Since Nov. 5 there have been attacks and counter attacks, and people are on edge to see what will happen. Even here in the capital and quite far from the action, there is bated breath and concern that there will not be a secondary outbreak of trouble here, or outright war.

Internet and phone services could be cut off here as well, to prevent insurgent forces communicating with each other - if I go “incommunicado,” that is likely why. I’m in a safe and quite docile part of the city and you can assume I’m personally safe, though there is always the chance it could be very suddenly be otherwise.

This post is for general reading, but knowing that many of you have lived here or otherwise have specific interest, I thought it appropriate to include a specific post about this.

Previous news items

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony to which was borne at the proper time. 1 Tim. 2:1–6

A hymn: Did You Think to Pray?